Manufacturing Technology Manager

The Opportunity

Rio Grande is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Technology Manager to lead the technical strategy, optimization, and performance of our tooling and manufacturing technologies. This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert for tool and die operations, CNC machining, wire EDM processes, and manufacturing technology development, ensuring production processes are robust, repeatable, and aligned with quality, cost, and productivity objectives.

As a key leader within our manufacturing organization, you will partner across Engineering, Toolroom, Production, Quality, and Product Development to drive operational excellence, solve complex technical challenges, and advance Rio Grande's manufacturing capabilities through innovation and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

Lead Tooling Strategy & Die Performance
• Establish and maintain tooling and die standards to support quality, efficiency, and reliability.
• Review and approve die designs, including clearance calculations, strip layouts, and material flow considerations.
• Define preventive maintenance intervals, rebuild standards, and tooling lifecycle strategies.
• Troubleshoot tooling-related production issues including burrs, rollover, die wear, and misfeeds.
• Partner with Toolroom and Production teams to improve die performance and longevity.
• Make recommendations regarding tooling rebuild, refurbishment, or replacement decisions.

Own CNC Machining & Wire EDM Technology
• Establish machining standards including feeds, speeds, tooling selection, and programming best practices.
• Optimize CNC machining processes to improve cycle times while maintaining quality and tool life.
• Develop and standardize Wire EDM strategies, tolerances, wire selection, and cutting methodologies.
• Review and approve first article setups and critical tooling components.
• Drive improvements in machining precision, efficiency, and repeatability.

Drive Process Standardization & Technical Documentation
• Develop and maintain technical standards, SOPs, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Create and manage tooling design standards, CNC setup documentation, and EDM cutting guidelines.
• Audit adherence to established standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Train and mentor technical personnel on best practices and manufacturing standards.
• Reduce process variation through documentation and standardized methodologies.

Provide Production Support & Technical Problem Solving
• Lead root cause investigations related to tooling failures, dimensional variation, process instability, and equipment performance.
• Support production teams during critical downtime events and high-priority manufacturing issues.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring problems.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex manufacturing challenges.

Manage Equipment & Technology Strategy
• Evaluate emerging stamping, machining, EDM, automation, and manufacturing technologies.
• Define future-state equipment and capability requirements.
• Lead equipment validation, commissioning, and implementation activities.
• Identify and drive automation opportunities that improve productivity and quality.
• Develop technical recommendations for capital equipment investments.

Provide Cross-Functional Leadership
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Product Development teams.
• Support production planning through realistic technical constraints and capacity assessments.
• Communicate manufacturing risks, technical limitations, and improvement opportunities.
• Support new product introductions and tooling launches.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

What You'll Need

Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing technology, tooling, machine shop operations, or related disciplines.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.

Extensive hands-on experience with:

• Tool & Die manufacturing, preferably progressive dies
• CNC machining operations
• Wire EDM programming and operation
• Metal forming and manufacturing processes

Technical Knowledge
• Deep understanding of tooling design, maintenance, and performance optimization.
• Strong knowledge of CNC programming principles, cutting mechanics, and machining strategies.
• Expertise in GD&T, precision tolerancing, and dimensional control.
• Understanding of metallurgy and metal behavior during manufacturing processes.
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
• Familiarity with manufacturing KPIs, process capability, and statistical problem-solving techniques.

Leadership Competencies
• Strong technical leadership and decision-making skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive technical initiatives.
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in precious metal or specialty metal manufacturing environments.
• Experience implementing automation or advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma knowledge or certification.
• Experience managing technical teams and complex capital projects.

Schedule
• Full-time, Monday- Friday during standard business and manufacturing operating hours
• Occasional extended hours may be required to support critical production issues, equipment implementation, or project deadlines

Working Environment
• This position operates primarily within a manufacturing and production environment, with regular time spent in tooling, machine shop, and production areas.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment including stamping presses, CNC machines, EDM equipment, and other industrial machinery.
• The role requires collaboration between office, engineering, and production floor environments.
• Rio Grande is a metal-free facility. Compliance with facility security and metal-free workplace requirements is required at all times.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required in designated production areas.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to remain stationary and work at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently walk production floors and inspect manufacturing equipment and tooling.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and reach as required during equipment and tooling evaluations.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to visually inspect tooling components, machined parts, and manufacturing processes, including close-up and detailed inspection work.

For more information about us please visit: www.riogrande.com